A more luxurious version of the standard Mercedes GLS, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is opulence on wheels. We love how it pampers you with an incredibly smooth ride and palatial seating. Cargo space is lacking, but otherwise it's hard to find fault with this super luxury SUV.Read full review
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the three-row SUV for those who demand more luxury and aren't afraid to pay for it. Maybach is Mercedes-Benz's Rolls-Royce and Bentley competitor, and the sub-brand refits the GLS with a luxurious second-row seat, all the most important options from the lesser Benz GLS, and a few exclusive touches.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.0
out of 10
We drove the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
8.8/10
How does the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS drive? For a vehicle with the size and mass of a small asteroid, the Maybach GLS is a fairly amazing performer. It took only 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, and it feels strong too, with plenty of power on tap no matter the situation. The engine's mild hybrid system improves performance, efficiency and smoothness.
Stops from 60 mph took just 102 feet, one of the best results we've seen from any SUV and close to serious performance-car territory. Our test vehicle's Pirelli summer tires certainly helped. The steering is light and quick, making the Maybach easy to maneuver through a parking lot, traffic or mountain passes. Meanwhile, the ride quality is smooth and composed thanks to the standard E-Active Body Control suspension that irons out most road imperfections without making it feel floaty.
The large windows help visibility and make rear passengers feel as if they have an expansive view of the world. A 360-degree surround-view camera system is included. Other driver aids are also comprehensive. The adaptive cruise control is among the best we've tested, maintaining a reasonable gap from the car ahead. And it slows the Maybach down to a complete stop without a hint of uncertainty.
Comfort
9/10
How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS? The Maybach GLS' whisper-quiet interior is excellent from almost every perspective. The driving position is upright and commanding, but you always feel comfortably enveloped by the GLS. Since there are only two rows in a vehicle meant to have three, the amount of passenger space borders on ridiculous. Both the front and rear seats even have massage. Unfortunately, if you want to experience the full recline of the rear seats, you'll need to be no taller than 5-foot-9.
Most of the controls are well placed and easy to reach, but there are a lot of them and the small text means you have to take your eyes off the road until you memorize their locations. Another minor fumble: Some seat controls and settings are buried in touchscreen menus.
In-cabin tech
9.3/10
How’s the tech? Mercedes' infotainment system is a benchmark for the class even if it does look a little intimidating. MBUX voice controls are top-of-the-class thanks to the use of natural speech, and the navigation system is a standout with its augmented reality overlay projected in the head-up display. It could be a reason to ditch the navigation app on your phone. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are standard and wireless. And there are seven total (three front, four rear) USB-C ports for occupants, along with two wireless charging pads — one in front of the cupholders and another in between the two rear passengers.
Storage & cargo
5.5/10
How’s storage and cargo? Inside the cabin, there are plenty of places to put items — whether large or small — and an equal abundance of cupholders. The front cupholders can even hold a 40-ounce water bottle. Technically, there are four cupholders in the back for two people, plus a fridge in our test vehicle.
The Maybach GLS offers 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, though that drops significantly if the optional refrigerator is installed in the rear. While it's great for keeping drinks cold, it takes up a huge amount of the cargo area. Even without the fridge installed, the Maybach offers less room than rivals. Should you want to tow with your Maybach, it is rated to tow 7,700 pounds when equipped with the optional trailer hitch.
Value
7.8/10
Is the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS a good value? You're not looking for value if you want a Maybach GLS — our test vehicle rang in at $172,200 as equipped — but it's definitely the least expensive of the über-luxury SUVs. No other competitor puts together such a well-appointed package for anywhere near the same money. It feels solid, pristine and opulent — easily matching rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga. If anything, Mercedes could offer more options for personalization. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average for the class.
MPG
1/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA puts fuel economy at 15 mpg combined, which isn't surprising for a vehicle this powerful that weighs close to 6,300 pounds. The Maybach GLS averaged 16.7 mpg combined on our 115-mile evaluation route, though the display estimated 18 mpg.
X factor
7/10
On the outside, the Maybach GLS has the appearance of a standard Mercedes GLS with larger wheels and a two-tone paint job. Inside, it delivers everything you expect from a more premium version of an already luxurious Mercedes-Benz. Loaded with the latest tech and equipped with reclining rear heated and ventilated seats with full massaging, the Maybach is sure to impress. It even offers a cold box for your Champagne. Even with all this luxury, it remains easy to drive and is a remarkably comfortable place to spend an hour, or 10, whether behind the wheel or being driven around.
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2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS pricing in Ashburn, VA
2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS trim level differences
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 is a full-size ultra-luxury SUV with two rows of seats, and it comes in a single well-equipped trim level. The only engine available is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter mild hybrid V8 (550 horsepower, 538 lb-ft of torque) teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Compare the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS trim levels in-depth.
Which Maybach GLS trim does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one trim level, the Maybach GLS 600, and very few options. The no-cost four-seat configuration replaces the second-row bench with a center console and relocates the seats farther back and toward the middle for more legroom and elbow room. And go for the backseat fridge and Champagne flute holders (flutes sold separately at your dealership). Even if you think you won't use them, don't you want to be able to?
Competitors to consider
Land Rover's long-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography lines up directly against the Maybach GLS and, in its available two-row configuration, offers vastly more legroom in the back. BMW performs a trick similar to the Maybach GLS with its Alpina XB7, a more luxurious version of the three-row X7 SUV. But like the lesser GLS models, the Alpina pinches second-row space to squeeze in a third row of seats. Beyond that pair, potential GLS competitors rapidly climb in price and include the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Edmunds spotlight: Benz vs. Maybach
When new, the Maybach GLS 600 costs about $60,000 more than the similar Mercedes-Benz GLS 580. What do you get by going with the Maybach? The Maybach lacks the lesser GLS' third-row seat in favor of more second-row legroom and a more capacious cargo hold. It also features Mercedes' E-Active Body Control as standard equipment. This trick suspension scans the road ahead with a camera and proactively adjusts the suspension in anticipation of upcoming divots and bumps to provide a smoother and more stable ride. The Maybach also comes with more features meant to pamper you and your passengers, such as a refrigerated compartment with Champagne flutes and a high-end Burmester sound system. The Maybach also looks distinct thanks to its own grille and wheel designs, premium interior materials and special exterior paint colors.
GLS600 Maybach owned many Mercedes models this was my favorite unfortunately it was also the worst one. My GLS was in the shop 6 months out of 14 months of ownership Mercedes repurchased the vehicle from me.
I've had many very nice cars but this one beats all!
Fantastic ride
I've got 25k miles on it with zero problems.
I'll order a 2026 for sure.Alabama made!!!
This car rides like a dream and looks good doing it. The seats are soft and comfy, and the back seats operate like a recliner. It is expensive, but we plan to keep for many years so the cost will be spread over that time. It is a keeper!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, so we've included reviews for other years of the Maybach GLS since its last redesign.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Maybach GLS both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Maybach GLS gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Maybach GLS has 18.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS. Learn more
Is the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS reliable?
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Maybach GLS. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Maybach GLS's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Maybach GLS and gave it a 7.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Maybach GLS gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Maybach GLS is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS?
The least-expensive 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $180,000.
Other versions include:
GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $180,000
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, the next question is, which Maybach GLS model is right for you? Maybach GLS variants include GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of Maybach GLS models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more